A greengrocer and a butcher have been showing their support for the community during the coronavirus crisis by offering free deliveries.

Ross Hampton, 25, who runs the family-owned business RossCo in Langley Way, Watford, is making home deliveries to help people - including the elderly and vulnerable - stay home during the Covid-19 pandemic.

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He has increased the business hours of his shop, which is open from 7am to 7pm, and said staff are working "all through the night" from 10pm to 7am.

This is so Mr Hampton and his staff are able to complete a large amount of orders after his delivery service increased in demand three weeks ago, because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Watford Observer:

Ross Hampton outside his shop in Langley Way. Credit: Ross Hampton

He said: "At the moment we're making 180 to 200 deliveries a day. But I love what I do, and I'm in the business for a reason.

"I have worked 20 hour days myself and before this I only had four staff members because it is a small family run business.

"But I now have nine staff members and four delivery drivers, my workforce has tripled. We have delivered around Watford, Hemel Hempstead, Bushey, South London and Slough."

You can order online at https://www.rossco.shop/ or over the phone by calling 01923 249799.

The Langley Butcher in Kings Langley is also offering free deliveries.

The owner, Richard Smith, 58, said he is delivering food such as bread and vegetables to the elderly and vulnerable who are self-isolating.

Mr Smith, who has worked at the butchers for 40 years, said he began this free service four weeks ago.

Watford Observer:

The Langley Butcher in Kings Langley. Credit: Google Street View

He said: "I noticed people getting worried and I thought it isn't there fault they're in this predicament.

"People buy from us all year round, so I thought it is time to pay them back."

Mr Richard said so far he has delivered to people living in Kings Langley, Hemel Hempstead and some parts of Watford and has made around 60 deliveries.

He added: "We're just trying to give people a little bit of confidence back.

"Some elderly people who are on their own were worried, it is just nice to make sure somebody is out there for them really."

The delivery service is from Monday to Saturday. To get in contact to place an order, call the shop on 01923 262450.